Geology (GEOL)
GEOL 1101 Physical Geology (3 credits)
General Education: Scientific Ways of Knowing
The earth, its composition, structure, and natural processes. Three lectures and two hours of lab per week; one 1-day field trip. Typically Offered: Fall and Spring.
GEOL 1101L Physical Geology Lab (1 credit)
The earth, its composition, structure, and natural processes. Three lectures and 2 hours of lab per week; one 1-day field trip. Typically Offered: Fall, Spring and Summer.
GEOL 1102 Historical Geology (3 credits)
General Education: Scientific Ways of Knowing
Evolution of the physical earth, plants, and animals; techniques used in interpretation of geologic history and how organisms have changed our planet through geologic time. The geologic rock record, past extinction events, evolution of organisms through time, and recovery from gradual and catastrophic events such as climate change and major volcanic events are discussed. The current "6th extinction" and changing climate is used to critically think about practices of sustainability and how future Earth may be impacted. Includes one 1-day field trip. Typically Offered: Fall and Spring.
Coreqs: GEOL 1102L or permission Cooperative: open to WSU degree-seeking students
GEOL 1102L Historical Geology Lab (1 credit)
Evolution of the physical earth, plants, and animals; techniques used in interpretation of geologic history. Typically Offered: Fall and Spring.
GEOL 1110 Physical Geology for Science Majors (3 credits)
Introductory course in earth science for geology and other science majors. Three lectures and one 2-hour lab per week; two 1-day field trips.
GEOL 1110L Physical Geology for Science Majors Lab (1 credit)
Introductory course in earth science for geology and other science majors. Three lectures and one 2-hour lab per week; two 1-day field trips.
GEOL 2000 (s) Seminar (1 credit, max 99)
Credit arranged
GEOL 2030 (s) Workshop (1-16 credits, max 99)
Credit arranged
GEOL 2040 (s) Special Topics (1-16 credits, max 99)
Credit arranged
GEOL 2120 Paleontology: Dinosaurs and Prehistoric Life (4 credits)
Studies of morphology, classification of fossil groups, and utility of fossils in interpreting depositional environments and ages of sedimentary rocks. This class discusses organisms through time and how they moved into or out of available niches as their environment changed. It provides a deep Earth perspective regarding how organisms reacted amongst major climatic changes and relates to sustainability practices for the current and future organisms. One 4 day to 1 week field trip. Recommended preparation: GEOL 1102. Typically Offered: Fall. Cooperative: open to WSU degree-seeking students.
GEOL 2260 Crime Scene Science (3 credits)
Introduction to the use of geological and mineralogical materials and techniques within the criminal/civil justice system. Topics will include the origin and description of minerals, rocks, soils and sands, fossils, industrial materials, and pollen, the history of forensic science, instrumental & forensic laboratory techniques, and the legal aspects of scientific evidence. Two lectures and one 2-hour lab per week; one 1-day field trip. Typically Offered: Fall.
Prereqs: One of the following: GEOL 1101/GEOL 1101L, GEOL 1110/1110L, CHEM 1101/1101L, CHEM 1111/1111L; or Permission Cooperative: open to WSU degree-seeking students.
GEOL 2490 Mineralogy and Optical Mineralogy (4 credits)
Principles of crystallography, crystal chemistry, and crystal structure; mineral identification; principles of optical mineralogy and use of the polarized light microscope. Three lectures and one 2-hour lab per week; two 1-day field trips.
Prereqs: GEOL 1110/GEOL 1110L or GEOL 1101/GEOL 1101L, and CHEM 1111/CHEM 1111L
GEOL 2500 Marine Geology: Fiery Birth to Cold Demise (3 credits)
This course introduces students to fundamental topics in marine geology, including the origin of the oceanic lithosphere at mid-ocean ridges and its eventual return to the mantle at subduction zones, the formation of seamounts, and the circulation of hydrothermal fluids. The class will explore how interactions between the mantle, lithosphere, hydrosphere, and atmosphere govern the Earth’s carbon budget; provide opportunities for deep-sea mining of critically rare minerals; and maintain a thriving, but still poorly explored, deep-sea biosphere. Typically Offered: Fall (Odd Years). Cooperative: open to WSU degree-seeking students.
GEOL 2990 (s) Directed Study (1-16 credits, max 99)
Credit arranged
GEOL 3020 Field Geology Methods (3 credits)
Introduction to field mapping and field techniques; mapping sedimentary sequences and tectonic structures; professional ethics, report preparation, project budgeting, and safety planning. Accident and health insurance required. Single- and multiple-day field trips with camping required. Typically Offered: Summer.
Prereqs: GEOL 1101/GEOL 1101L or GEOL 1110/GEOL 1110L or GEOL 1102/GEOL 1102L or GEOG 1000/1000L Cooperative: open to WSU degree-seeking students.
GEOL 3050 Gamifying the Earth (2 credits)
An introduction to fundamentals of Earth Science and game design, as well as a hands-on game development experience where students create and iterate on a science-based game prototype (electronic or tabletop) as their final project. The initial part of the course will acquaint students with fundamental topics in earth science including plate tectonics, convection, radioactivity, volcanic and seismic hazards, and the atmosphere-ocean system. Students will then learn basic aspects of game design and development through lectures, readings, and hands-on exercises. The final portion of the course will task student groups with designing a hands-on game prototype, iterate on their design through player testing, and present their final game to the class. Typically Offered: Spring. Cooperative: open to WSU degree-seeking students.
GEOL 3090 Ground Water Hydrology (3 credits)
This course provides an introduction to the hydrologic cycle with a focus on the temporal flux of the chemical and physical properties of groundwater. We evaluate the atmospheric and geologic influences that create groundwater resource boundaries and examine our influence on the quality and quantity of groundwater with changes in our population and economy. Typically Offered: Fall.
Prereqs: GEOL 1101/GEOL 1101L or GEOL 1110; or MATH 1143 with a grade of C or better Cooperative: open to WSU degree-seeking students.
GEOL 3100 Geological Core Logging (1 credit)
Designed to give students an overview of the mining industry and acquaint students with methods used for mineral exploration. Students will receive hands on training in core logging, a fundamental skill for a mining geologist, from mining industry professionals, and will be able to learn about career opportunities for geologists in the mining industry. Typically Offered: Spring. Cooperative: open to WSU degree-seeking students.
GEOL 3180 Economic Geology (3 credits)
Provides an introduction to economic geology through an examination of the lifecycle of a mine—target identification, exploration, mine development, mining methods, ore processing, extraction processes, mine closure, and remediation/restoration, along with discussions regarding the circular economy and green mining. The extraction economy is no longer based on target elements and our ability to remove them from the Earth. Modern mining requires substantial planning at each step of the mine lifecycle from target identification to landscape restoration. Typically Offered: Spring (Even Years).
Prereqs: GEOL 1101/GEOL 1101L or GEOL 1110; or MATH 1143 with a grade of C or better Cooperative: open to WSU degree-seeking students.
GEOL 3240 Principles of Stratigraphy and Sedimentation (4 credits)
Interrelationship of sedimentation and stratigraphy and processes and factors influencing genesis of sedimentary rocks. Topics include weathering, fluid flows, sediment mechanics, depositional environments, stratigraphic logging and field data collection, sedimentary lithofacies, provenance, and application of principles of interpretation of stratigraphic record. Two lectures and one 4-hour lab per week; two 1-day field trips; One 5-day field trip.
Prereqs: GEOL 1102/GEOL 1102L and MATH 1143 with a grade of C or better
GEOL 3260 Igneous and Metamorphic Petrology (4 credits)
Hard rock petrology plus megascopic and microscopic petrography of igneous and metamorphic rocks. Two lectures and two 2-hour labs per week; two 1-day or one 2-day field trips.
Prereqs: GEOL 2490 and MATH 1143 with a grade of C or better
GEOL 3350 Geomorphology (3 credits)
Classification, recognition, origin, and significance of land forms; land form analysis in interpretation of geologic structure and history. One 2-day field trip.
Prereqs: GEOL 1101/GEOL 1101L or GEOL 1102/GEOL 1102L or GEOL 1110/GEOL 1110L, or GEOG 1000/GEOG 1000L; and MATH 1143 with a grade of C or better; or Permission
GEOL 3440 Earthquakes (3 credits)
The geology of earthquakes including the cause of fault rupture, seismic waves, focal mechanisms, and earthquakes associated with all fault types in a variety of tectonic settings; methods of identifying paleo-earthquakes in the geologic record, and the assessment of seismic risk in active fault environments.
Prereqs: GEOL 1101 and GEOL 1101L or GEOL 1110 and GEOL 1110L or GEOG 1000 or ENVS 1010; and MATH 1143 with a grade of C or better
GEOL 3450 Structural Geology (4 credits)
Investigation of deformed rocks; mechanics of brittle and continuum failure, stress and strain relations, characterization, description, classification of folded and fractured rocks. Three hours of lecture and one 2-hour 45-minute lab per week; one week-long mandatory field trip. Typically Offered: Spring.
Prereqs: MATH 1143 with a grade of C or better; and one semester high-school trigonometry or MATH 1144; GEOL 1101/GEOL 1101L or GEOL 1110/GEOL 1110L; GEOL 3020; GEOL 3240 or GEOL 3260; PHYS 1111/PHYS 1111L or PHYS 2110/PHYS 2110L Cooperative: open to WSU degree-seeking students.
GEOL 3610 Geology and the Environment (3 credits)
This class is constructed to examine the legacy and current generation and disposal of mine waste and how we might best reduce the potential impacts from the mine waste stream. As part of this course, we will explore the production of waste rock (unprocessed mine waste) and tailings (processed mine waste), their potential impact on the environment, and disposal practices for reducing environmental degradation. To assist us in understanding modern mining methods and their ability to reduce environmental impacts from mine waste, we will explore the use of GoldSim, a Monte Carlo simulation software for dynamically modeling complex systems to supports decision-making and risk analysis. GoldSim allows you to create realistic models of mine systems in order to carry out risk analyses, evaluate potential environmental impacts, support strategic planning, and optimize operations. This course includes a one-day field trip. Typically Offered: Fall (Even Years).
Prereqs: GEOL 1101 and GEOL 1101L or GEOL 1110 and GEOL 1110L or GEOG 1000 or ENVS 1010; and MATH 1143 with a grade of C or better Cooperative: open to WSU degree-seeking students.
GEOL 3750 Geology of National Parks (3 credits)
Primarily for non-geology majors who want to acquire a better knowledge of geologic concepts and processes through study of geology of national parks. One 6-day field trip.
Prereqs: GEOL 1101/GEOL 1101L, GEOL 1102/GEOL 1102L, GEOL 1110/GEOL 1110L, or GEOG 1000/GEOG 1000L; and MATH 1143 with a grade of C or better
GEOL 3980 (s) Internship (1-16 credits, max 99)
Credit arranged Graded Pass/Fail.
GEOL 4000 (s) Seminar (1 credit, max 99)
Participation in departmental colloquium.
Prereqs: MATH 1143 with a grade of C or better
GEOL 4030 (s) Workshop (1-16 credits, max 99)
Credit arranged
GEOL 4040 (s) Special Topics (1-16 credits, max 99)
Credit arranged
GEOL 4050 Professional Development (1-16 credits, max 99)
Credit arranged
GEOL 4070 Basin Analysis (3 credits)
Joint-listed with GEOL 5070
Formation mechanisms and characteristics of sedimentary basins. Modern concepts of tectonics and sedimentary basin analysis, including tectonics of subsidence, detrital mineral provenance, thermal histories, and facies models. Lithofacies distributions and structural styles in a variety of basin types with specific examples from around the world. Additional paper required for graduate credit. One 2-day and one 5-day field trip. Typically Offered: Spring.
Prereqs: GEOL 3240 and MATH 1143 with a grade of C or better Cooperative: open to WSU degree-seeking students.
GEOL 4100 Groundwater Field Methods (3 credits)
Joint-listed with GEOL 5080
Field methods and professional practice in groundwater hydrology. Basic field techniques used in groundwater investigations, including measuring and interpreting depth to water in wells, slug testing, and aquifer pumping tests. Professional skills complementary to field investigations, including logistics, project budgeting, and safety planning. Students are required to participate in a significant amount of work in the field, including performance of a field-based final project. Additional work required for graduate credit. Typically Offered: Varies. Cooperative: open to WSU degree-seeking students.
GEOL 4110 Advanced Paleontology (3 credits)
Joint-listed with GEOL 5110
This class discusses methods used in assessing organisms in the paleontological rock record and what they can tell us about ancient climate, ecology, and geography. Applications include using past organisms' response to a changing earth in discussions on how current organisms will react regarding current and future climate change, sea level fluctuations, and other major events. Additional work required for graduate course. Typically Offered: Fall (Even Years).
Prereqs: GEOL 2120 Cooperative: open to WSU degree-seeking students.
GEOL 4130 Environmental Hydrogeology (3 credits)
Cross-listed with HYDR 4120
Joint-listed with HYDR 5120
This course provides an examination of hydrogeochemical site characterization to evaluate the transport of water-quality contaminants and the impact of the contaminants on water resources, particularly aquifers. The primary goal is an evaluation of the integration of physical and chemical tools available for determining the current state of contamination and predicting future conditions with changes in the hydrogeologic environment. Additional independent research paper required for graduate credit. Typically Offered: Spring (Odd Years).
Prereqs: GEOL 3090 Cooperative: open to WSU degree-seeking students.
GEOL 4170 Advanced Paleontology (3 credits)
Fossil assemblage analyses and report writing; marine faunal assemblage first half of semester; nonmarine floral assemblage second half of semester. Three 2-hour labs per week; one 1-day field trip.
Prereqs: MATH 1143 with a grade of C or better and GEOL 2120; or Permission
GEOL 4220 Principles of Geophysics (4 credits)
Outline of geophysical methods for geological investigations. One 1-day field trip. Course includes three hours of lecture and one 2-hour lab per week.
Prereqs: MATH 1143 with a grade of C or better
GEOL 4230 Principles of Geochemistry (3 credits)
Physiochemical principles applied to geologic processes. Topics covered include atmospheric geochemistry, environmental geochemistry, aqueous geochemistry, crystal chemistry, and radiogenic and stable isotopes. These topics provide an overview of the principles of physics and chemistry that define geochemistry and its use to understand Earth's geology. The objective of this course is to learn how geochemical processes control the distribution of elements from the core of the Earth to the atmosphere. Includes one 3-day field trip.
Prereqs: GEOL 2490
GEOL 4240 Advanced Topics in Sedimentary Rocks (3 credits)
Joint-listed with GEOL 5200
Modern concepts of tectonic sedimentology, depositional environments, facies models, and application of analytical techniques to stratigraphic sequences. One 5-day field trip. Typically Offered: Spring.
Prereqs: GEOL 3240 Cooperative: open to WSU degree-seeking students.
GEOL 4270 Paleoclimatology (3 credits)
Joint-listed with GEOL 5170
This course will cover the sedimentological, paleontological, geochemical, and numerical methods used to study climate in the Phanerozoic geologic record. The paleoclimate record will be used to assess modern climate change and conditions on future Earth. Students will gain an understanding of how past climates can help us implement sustainable practices in the future. This class will cover how climate change affected Earth and organisms in the past in order to understand how our Earth and organisms will respond in the future. Additional coursework will be required for graduate credit. Typically Offered: Varies. Cooperative: open to WSU degree-seeking students.
GEOL 4280 Geostatistics (3 credits)
Cross-listed with GEOE 4280
Joint-listed with GEOL 5340
Applications of random variables and probability in geologic and engineering studies; regression, regionalized variables, spatial correlation, variograms, kriging, and simulation. Recommended Preparation: STAT 3010 Cooperative: open to WSU degree-seeking students.
GEOL 4310 Chemical Hydrogeology (3 credits)
Joint-listed with GEOL 5310
An exploration of low temperature, aqueous geochemistry principles through examination of atmospheric, geologic, and biologic influences on water chemistry in surface and near-surface hydrologic environments. For graduate credit, students are required to complete an additional independent research paper or presentation. Recommended preparation: GEOL 4230.
Prereqs: CHEM 1111/CHEM 1111L
GEOL 4330 Geodynamics (4 credits)
Joint-listed with GEOL 5330
This class focuses on the processes and mechanisms that cause motions within and on the surface of the Earth and other planets. Topics to be covered include plate boundary deformation, plate flexure, planetary heat transfer, convection in the mantle and core, melting and melt transport, magma dynamics, and large-scale lithospheric deformation. For graduate credit, students will be expected to complete a research project and report. Course includes three hours of lecture and one 3-hour lab per week. Recommended Preparation: MATH 1750 or equivalent. Typically Offered: Fall.
Prereqs: MATH 1143 with a grade of C or better; and MATH 1170 or equivalent Cooperative: open to WSU degree-seeking students.
GEOL 4350 Glaciology and the Dynamic Frozen Earth (3 credits)
Joint-listed with GEOL 5350
This course examines the physical processes that govern the frozen components of the Earth system. Idaho’s changing snowpack, thinning Arctic sea ice, and accelerating glaciers are all evidence of the Earth’s dynamic and rapidly changing frozen surface. These landscapes play critical roles in the climate system. Thinning and retreat of glaciers and ice sheets is on track to raise global sea level by up to a meter within student lifetimes. This course covers the mechanics and energy budgets of the frozen earth. Upon completion of this course, students will be able to describe the ways by which glaciers increase or decrease their flow, the controls on the growth and loss of sea ice, the importance of permafrost environments to the climate and landscape evolution, and how ice preserves a record of past global temperatures. Additional work required for graduate credit.
Prereqs: MATH 1160 or MATH 1170 Cooperative: open to WSU degree-seeking students.
GEOL 4410 Air Quality, Pollution, and Smoke (3 credits)
Cross-listed with FIRE 4410
Joint-listed with FIRE 5410
Provides details of the controls and drivers of emission processes and impacts on air quality from fires, industry, and natural sources. The course provides an overview of relevant policy and health impacts of various air pollutants on humans. It also includes detail on atmospheric chemistry and physics related to natural and anthropogenic emissions and how these impact atmospheric chemistry and climate. Overview of the combustion and emission process, how these emissions impact air quality, and what models exist to monitor these emissions. Other topics to include guidelines for smoke management planning, attainment issues, atmospheric transport, and deposition processes. Additional work required for graduate credit. Typically Offered: Spring and Summer.
GEOL 4470 Geochronology and Thermochronology (3 credits)
Joint-listed with GEOL 5470
Constraining the timing, rate, and pace of earth processes and events is crucial for geoscience research. This course covers the fundamentals of radiometric dating methods for geologic materials and recent developments in the fields of geochronology and thermochronology. Discussions will focus on principles and assumptions of each technique, novel applications, and interpretation of complex datasets. Additional work required for graduate credit. Typically Offered: Varies.
Prereqs: GEOL 1101 or GEOL 1110 or Permission Cooperative: open to WSU degree-seeking students.
GEOL 4480 Tectonics (3 credits)
Joint-listed with GEOL 5480
An investigation into the processes driving the physical evolution of the Earth's crust and mantle and how those processes are reflected at the surface. Discussion of the development of mountain belts, growth of continents and ocean basins, and plate boundary dynamics. A more advanced project/paper required for graduate credit. One or two 1-2 day field trips.
Prereqs: GEOL 3450 or Permission Cooperative: open to WSU degree-seeking students.
GEOL 4620 Petroleum Systems and Energy Transitions (3 credits)
Joint-listed with GEOL 5620
Learn the play elements and the science behind the discovery, analytical work, extraction, and economics of a petroleum system; learn how to use cutting-edge software to do geophysical well log and 3D seismic interpretation with key stratigraphic concepts, and subsurface geologic mapping and analysis. Topics include the economics of future resources, and the role of the petroleum industry and alternative energy sources regarding the sustainability of future energy needs and the discussion of climate change. Additional project work will be required for graduate credit. One two-to-four day fieldtrip. Typically Offered: Fall (Even Years). Cooperative: open to WSU degree-seeking students.
GEOL 4670 Volcanology (3 credits)
Joint-listed with GEOL 5670
Eruption mechanisms, volcanic processes and landforms, and volcanic deposits. Additional projects/assignments required for graduate credit. Two lectures and one 2-hour lab per week; seven days of field trips.
Prereqs: MATH 1143 with a grade of C or better Cooperative: open to WSU degree-seeking students.
GEOL 4710 Ore Deposits and Exploration (3 credits)
Joint-listed with GEOL 5720
The geologic origin of metallic ore deposits and the methods used to search for them. Taught in alternating years. One 1-day and one 3-day field trip. For graduate credit, graduate students must complete a research paper describing some aspect of ore deposit formation. Typically Offered: Varies.
Prereqs: GEOL 2490 and MATH 1143 with a grade of C or better Cooperative: open to WSU degree-seeking students.
GEOL 4740 Stable Isotopes in the Environment (3 credits)
Joint-listed with GEOL 5840
Learn the theory and application of stable isotopes to a range of topics in earth sciences, environmental science, and related disciplines. Topics include the kinetic and equilibrium fractionation of stable isotopes in natural systems, the processes that drive those fractionations, and the use of isotope mass spectrometry to measure and understand those processes. Students will work with and interpret real datasets. Additional work is required for graduate credit. Typically Offered: Spring.
Prereqs: GEOL 1101 or GEOL 1102 or GEOL 1110; CHEM 1111. Cooperative: open to WSU degree-seeking students.
GEOL 4890 Virtual Field Camp (3 credits)
Advanced field problems and methods; interpretation of field data, preparation of reports based on geological observations and interpretations. Virtual Field camp provides the necessary support for students with physical challenges to meet the requirements of the BS degree in geology. Typically Offered: Summer.
Prereqs: GEOL 3020, GEOL 3450, and MATH 1143 with a grade of C or better Cooperative: open to WSU degree-seeking students.
GEOL 4900 Geology Field Camp (3 credits)
General Education: Capstone Experience
Prereqs: GEOL 3450; and MATH 1143 with a grade of C or better. Cooperative: open to WSU degree-seeking students.
GEOL 4970 (s) Practicum In Tutoring (1 credit, max 2)
Tutorial services performed by advanced students under faculty supervision. Graded Pass/Fail.
Prereqs: MATH 1143 with a grade of C or better and permission of department
GEOL 4980 Senior Thesis (3 credits)
Cross-listed with ESS 4980
Completion of original research and report. Course is taken over two semesters; first semester is graded IP until completion of second semester. Typically Offered: Varies.
Prereqs: MATH 1143 with a grade of C or better and Senior standing and Permission
GEOL 4990 (s) Directed Study (1-16 credits, max 99)
Credit arranged
Prereqs: MATH 1143 with a grade of C or better
GEOL 5000 Master's Research and Thesis (1-16 credits, max 99)
Credit arranged
GEOL 5010 (s) Seminar (1 credit, max 99)
Participation in departmental colloquium.
GEOL 5020 (s) Directed Study (1-16 credits, max 99)
Credit arranged
GEOL 5030 (s) Workshop (1-16 credits, max 99)
Credit arranged
GEOL 5040 (s) Special Topics (1-16 credits, max 99)
Credit arranged
GEOL 5050 (s) Professional Development (1-16 credits, max 99)
Credit arranged
GEOL 5070 Basin Analysis (3 credits)
Joint-listed with GEOL 4070
Formation mechanisms and characteristics of sedimentary basins. Modern concepts of tectonics and sedimentary basin analysis, including tectonics of subsidence, detrital mineral provenance, thermal histories, and facies models. Lithofacies distributions and structural styles in a variety of basin types with specific examples from around the world. Additional paper required for graduate credit. One 2-day and one 5-day field trip. Typically Offered: Spring. Cooperative: open to WSU degree-seeking students.
GEOL 5080 Groundwater Field Methods (3 credits)
Joint-listed with GEOL 4100
Field methods and professional practice in groundwater hydrology. Basic field techniques used in groundwater investigations, including measuring and interpreting depth to water in wells, slug testing, and aquifer pumping tests. Professional skills complementary to field investigations, including logistics, project budgeting, and safety planning. Students are required to participate in a significant amount of work in the field, including performance of a field-based final project. Additional work required for graduate credit. Typically Offered: Varies. Cooperative: open to WSU degree-seeking students.
GEOL 5100 (s) Geosystems (3 credits, max 6)
Interdisciplinary core graduate course in earth sciences. Course will involve multiple instructors and modules framed around a common theme. Specific focus may vary from year to year. Cooperative: open to WSU degree-seeking students.
GEOL 5110 Advanced Paleontology (3 credits)
Joint-listed with GEOL 4110
This class discusses methods used in assessing organisms in the paleontological rock record and what they can tell us about ancient climate, ecology, and geography. Applications include using past organisms' response to a changing earth in discussions on how current organisms will react regarding current and future climate change, sea level fluctuations, and other major events. Additional work required for graduate course. Typically Offered: Fall (Even Years). Cooperative: open to WSU degree-seeking students.
GEOL 5170 Paleoclimatology (3 credits)
Joint-listed with GEOL 4270
This course will cover the sedimentological, paleontological, geochemical, and numerical methods used to study climate in the Phanerozoic geologic record. The paleoclimate record will be used to assess modern climate change and conditions on future Earth. Students will gain an understanding of how past climates can help us implement sustainable practices in the future. This class will cover how climate change affected Earth and organisms in the past in order to understand how our Earth and organisms will respond in the future. Additional coursework will be required for graduate credit. Typically Offered: Varies. Cooperative: open to WSU degree-seeking students.
GEOL 5200 Advanced Topics in Sedimentary Rocks (3 credits)
Joint-listed with GEOL 4240
Modern concepts of tectonic sedimentology, depositional environments, facies models, and application of analytical techniques to stratigraphic sequences. One 5-day field trip. Typically Offered: Spring. Cooperative: open to WSU degree-seeking students.
GEOL 5310 Chemical Hydrogeology (3 credits)
Joint-listed with GEOL 4310
An exploration of low temperature, aqueous geochemistry principles through examination of atmospheric, geologic, and biologic influences on water chemistry in surface and near-surface hydrologic environments. For graduate credit, students are required to complete an additional independent research paper or presentation. Recommended preparation: GEOL 4230.
GEOL 5330 Geodynamics (4 credits)
Joint-listed with GEOL 4330
This class focuses on the processes and mechanisms that cause motions within and on the surface of the Earth and other planets. Topics to be covered include plate boundary deformation, plate flexure, planetary heat transfer, convection in the mantle and core, melting and melt transport, magma dynamics, and large-scale lithospheric deformation. For graduate credit, students will be expected to complete a research project and report. Course includes three hours of lecture and one 3-hour lab per week. Recommended Preparation: MATH 1750 or equivalent. Typically Offered: Fall. Cooperative: open to WSU degree-seeking students.
GEOL 5340 Geostatistics (3 credits)
Joint-listed with GEOE 4280, GEOL 4280
Applications of random variables and probability in geologic and engineering studies; regression, regionalized variables, spatial correlation, variograms, kriging, and simulation. Recommended Preparation: STAT 3010 Cooperative: open to WSU degree-seeking students.
GEOL 5350 Glaciology and the Dynamic Frozen Earth (3 credits)
Joint-listed with GEOL 4350
This course examines the physical processes that govern the frozen components of the Earth system. Idaho’s changing snowpack, thinning Arctic sea ice, and accelerating glaciers are all evidence of the Earth’s dynamic and rapidly changing frozen surface. These landscapes play critical roles in the climate system. Thinning and retreat of glaciers and ice sheets is on track to raise global sea level by up to a meter within student lifetimes. This course covers the mechanics and energy budgets of the frozen earth. Upon completion of this course, students will be able to describe the ways by which glaciers increase or decrease their flow, the controls on the growth and loss of sea ice, the importance of permafrost environments to the climate and landscape evolution, and how ice preserves a record of past global temperatures. Additional work required for graduate credit. Cooperative: open to WSU degree-seeking students.
GEOL 5470 Geochronology and Thermochronology (3 credits)
Joint-listed with GEOL 4470
Constraining the timing, rate, and pace of earth processes and events is crucial for geoscience research. This course covers the fundamentals of radiometric dating methods for geologic materials and recent developments in the fields of geochronology and thermochronology. Discussions will focus on principles and assumptions of each technique, novel applications, and interpretation of complex datasets. Additional work required for graduate credit. Typically Offered: Varies. Cooperative: open to WSU degree-seeking students.
GEOL 5480 Tectonics (3 credits)
Joint-listed with GEOL 4480
An investigation into the processes driving the physical evolution of the Earth's crust and mantle and how those processes are reflected at the surface. Discussion of the development of mountain belts, growth of continents and ocean basins, and plate boundary dynamics. A more advanced project/paper required for graduate credit. One or two 1-2 day field trips. Cooperative: open to WSU degree-seeking students.
GEOL 5490 Principles of Electron Microscopy (3 credits)
Theory and principles of scanning and transmission electron microscopy as an investigative tool; includes physical principles of electron microscopy, operation and maintenance of the electron microscope, specimen preparation, and digital image capture. Lab section involves hands-on use of SEM and TEM. Students registering are required to complete a research project. One 1. 5-hour lecture and one 2-hour lab per week. Typically Offered: Fall. Cooperative: open to WSU degree-seeking students.
GEOL 5620 Petroleum Systems and Energy Transitions (3 credits)
Joint-listed with GEOL 4620
Learn the play elements and the science behind the discovery, analytical work, extraction, and economics of a petroleum system; learn how to use cutting-edge software to do geophysical well log and 3D seismic interpretation with key stratigraphic concepts, and subsurface geologic mapping and analysis. Topics include the economics of future resources, and the role of the petroleum industry and alternative energy sources regarding the sustainability of future energy needs and the discussion of climate change. Additional project work will be required for graduate credit. One two-to-four day fieldtrip. Typically Offered: Fall (Even Years). Cooperative: open to WSU degree-seeking students.
GEOL 5670 Volcanology (3 credits)
Joint-listed with GEOL 4670
Eruption mechanisms, volcanic processes and landforms, and volcanic deposits. Additional projects/assignments required for graduate credit. Two lectures and one 2-hour lab per week; seven days of field trips. Cooperative: open to WSU degree-seeking students.
GEOL 5720 Ore Deposits and Exploration (3 credits)
Joint-listed with GEOL 4710
The geologic origin of metallic ore deposits and the methods used to search for them. Taught in alternating years. One 1-day and one 3-day field trip. For graduate credit, graduate students must complete a research paper describing some aspect of ore deposit formation. Typically Offered: Varies. Cooperative: open to WSU degree-seeking students.
GEOL 5840 Stable Isotopes in the Environment (3 credits)
Joint-listed with GEOL 4740
Learn the theory and application of stable isotopes to a range of topics in earth sciences, environmental science, and related disciplines. Topics include the kinetic and equilibrium fractionation of stable isotopes in natural systems, the processes that drive those fractionations, and the use of isotope mass spectrometry to measure and understand those processes. Students will work with and interpret real datasets. Additional work is required for graduate credit. Typically Offered: Spring. Cooperative: open to WSU degree-seeking students.
GEOL 5970 (s) Practicum (1-16 credits, max 99)
Credit arranged
GEOL 5980 (s) Internship (1-16 credits, max 99)
Credit arranged
GEOL 5990 (s) Research (1-16 credits, max 99)
Credit arranged. Research not directly related to a thesis or dissertation.
GEOL 6000 Doctoral Research and Dissertation (1-45 credits, max 99)
Credit arranged